| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | Washington, Washington, United States (2002) |
| Founder | Cliff Kushler, Randy Marsden |
| Headquarters | 701 North 34th St. Suite 301 Seattle, Washington , |
Area served | Worldwide List
|
| Products | Swype |
| Website | www.swypeinc.com |
History
editSwype Inc. was founded in 2002 in Seattle, Washington by Cliff Kushler, the co-inventor of T9 (predictive text) entry and Randy Marsden. [1]
Current Products/Services
editSwype Inc. currently offers one product, which is a piece of text entry software, manufactured under the same name as it's parent company, "Swype."
Swype
editSwype text entry is a software piece that is designed for use with touchscreen electronic devices. The user simply "swipes" their finger or stylus along the traditional QWERTY keyboard layout, scrolling over the letters that spell the word they desire to type.[2] Swype utilizes patented algorithms along with an input path analyzer, word 65,000+ word database, and an OEM customizable interface to help users type the word they intended on typing on the first try.[2] Swype allows users to type much faster than using traditional mobile keyboards or T9 (predictive text) entry, Swype users are said to achieve more than 40 words per minute, which is more than 10 words per minute higher than any other method of mobile text entry.[2] Swype currently offers its software in a variety of languages other than english.[2]
Availability
editCurrently, Swype is only available on the Samsung Omnia II mobile handset running the Windows Mobile operating system.[3] On March 22, 2010 Swype text input was used to break a Guiness World Record for fastest text messaging on a touch screen phone. The company is looking to expand its use of software onto new handsets in the near future. [4]
Corporate Affairs
editHeadquarters
editSwype Inc. is headquartered in Wallingford, Seattle, a small urban and industrial neighborhood on the north side of Seattle. [5]
CEO
editMike McSherry is the Chief Executive Office of Swype Inc.[6] McSherry has worked in the digital device industry for many years. He was the co-founder of Amp'd Mobile and Boost Mobile.[6] Mike McSherry held the title of Senior Vice President of Emerging Technologies. He was involved in all service and platform strategies for the company. Prior to his career in the cellular telephone industry, McSherry co-founded ZIVO the largest Interactive Agency in Australia/New Zealand.[6]
Executives
edit- Cliff Kushler, Chief Technology Officer:[6]
Kushler is most famous for his invention of T9 (predictive text) entry which is one of the most common text input methods for mobile devices.[6] Dr. Kushler has 17 US patents as well as several foreign patents, and many applications still pending.[6] Kushler received his MS in Computer Science from Michigan State University as well as his PhD from the University of Tokyo. He is fluent in both English and Japanese.[6]
- Loreen Milbrath, Chief Financial Officer:[6]
Milbrath has over 12 years experience in operations and financial management for companies focused on wireless devices and software.[6] Loreen Milbrath was previously a co-founder of Melodeo, Inc. She started her career in audit and finance with Price Waterhouse.[6]
- Aaron Sheedy, Chief Operations Officer:[6]
Co-founded and assisted in the sale of ZIVO, an interactive agency based in Australia.[6] He has held executive level positions in companies such as: Microsoft, Verisign, and Diego.[6] Sheedy is responsible for bringing Swype's features and benefits to the market. [6]
- Mark Illing, Director of Software Development:[6]
Mark's first role in the technology field was his major role in SIMNET.[6] After SIMNET, Illing was a senior member of the software development team at Tegic Communications, where he was one of the key people behind the development of T9 (predictive text) entry for mobile devices.[6]
Advisory Board
edit- Bill Bryant
A seasoned entrepreneur who has invested in over twenty startup technology companies.[6] Bill was an early investor in companies such as Nokia, DMX Music, Viafone, AOL, and many other successful technology companies. [6]
- Don Davidge
Mr. Davidge is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Melodeo, and was the former Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Tegic.[6] Davidge helped market T9 (predictive text) entry to cellular telephone manufacturers all over the world.[6]
- Paul Hiles
Hiles was the former Chief Technology Officer and director of Software and Engineering for Hewlett-Packard's iPaq global business unit.[6] After Hiles left Hewlett-Packard, he continued his career as a private consultant.[6]